After 10 days on beautiful Ardnamurchan Peninsula, we head for the area of Inverness and stay at the Homefarm B&B of our co-authors in Muir of Ord. In this area we make some lovely and not too complicated walks. The first is to the area of Culbin Forest near Nairn (East of Inverness)

Good to know:
Distance: 11 kms
Rate: easy
Map (incl. elevation information): Culbin Forest - Hill 99 Viewpoint Trail
GPS-track available for download: yes

As always photo's (but not all of them) can be enlarged by clicking on them.

The walk starts at a huge parking where there are toilet facilities and there you can also pick up a leaflet of the area . The track is well-marked and is called Hill 99 viewpoint trail, although we did a small detour along the waterfront.

First you will come across these Gravel-pit Ponds, which were dugged to provide a source of fresh water for birds, mammals and insects.



The track continous through the forest and after a while you will be at the base of

oh oh.... we are running behind with our walks. Too much sunny weather here in the Netherlands for the last couple of weeks. It was the fact that Elgar started complaining about inactivity of the HikingMoose website, that made me crawl behind the computer.

This is a walk uphill to the top of Ben Hiant, the highest hill on Ardnamurchan. The track is not difficult and you will be rewarded with lovely views over the whole of Ardnamurchan.

Good to know:
Distance: 6 kms (up and down)
Rate: easy
Map (incl. elevation information): Ben Hiant walk
GPS-track available for download: yes

As always photo's (but not all of them) can be enlarged by clicking on them.

On your way up, also take time to look over your shoulders. Lovely panoramic views everywhere.




The path is easy to follow, but can be boggy when it has rained a lot. On the left picture you can see the top of Ben Hiant. On the right picture some views to the land down below.




At the top of Ben Hiant the views are awesome. Particularly when the sun is shining and the sky is clear, but it can be windy though.

Another sunny day on Ardnamurchan (Scotland) and we opt for a walk at the Camus Nan Geall bay (Bay of the Stranger).

Good to know:
Distance: 7 kms
Rate: moderate
Map (incl. elevation information): Camus Nan Geall walk
GPS-track available for download: yes

As always photo's (but not all of them) can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Start is from a parkinglot where you can overlook this stunning bay.



Underneath overview of this gorgeous bay is for sale on Dreamstime.


Photographer: Orion9nl | Agency: Dreamstime.com

The walk slowly descends towards the bay and soon you will come across huge stones which are the remains of a chambered burial place, about 6,000 years old.

A little bit further on towards the beach is a small walled enclosure said to be the burial place of the Campbell family's catholic members. In front of the enclosure is a bronze age standing stone. The sea facing edge reveals two well worn engravings: a celtic cross and a dog.



Once on the beach, head west along the shoreline. The path rises into the banked remains of an ironage promontory fort (3000 years old).

Finally find the time to select some of our astonishing pictures shot on Ardnamurchan for our first real walk on this peninsula.

Good to know:
Distance: 7 kms
Rate: easy
Map (incl. elevation information): Portuairk - Sanna Bay circular walk
GPS-track available for download: yes

As always all photo's can be enlarged by clicking on them.

After the short hike to the vulcano ridge, we went for a walk along the coast from Portuairk to Sanna Bay and back.

Start is from the small village Portuairk where you can park you car either at the crossing near the beach or a bit higher up the road. Elgar was eager to show the area to his new friend, Mr. Dip (Mr. Dip was given to us as a present from a colleague at the office who happens to know we walk around with a stuffed moose during our walks). The view is towards Sanna Bay and the sea.



The walk takes you along the waterfront and beaches of Sanna Bay. It feels as if you are in the Caribbean, with the bright blue / green colouring of the water.